Opgegraven explosieven Possibly 1949

This is a black and white photograph by ANP, titled Opgegraven explosieven, which translates to 'Unearthed Explosives'. The photo shows us a figure bent over a collection of bombs, carefully examining them. It's the kind of careful attention you give to something with the potential to be dangerous. Look at the gradient of grey tones that make up the scene, from the lighter shades in the figure's clothing to the deep shadows that pool around the unearth explosives. It’s a physical thing, you can almost feel the texture of the metal, cold and hard. My eye is drawn to the way the bombs are lined up, like a morbid still life. It reminds me of the banality of evil, how something so destructive can be presented in such an ordinary way. It makes you wonder about intention and chance, who put them there, what was their purpose? Think about someone like Nancy Spero, who dealt with themes of war and violence. She explored the psychological impact of conflict. This piece similarly invites us to reflect on the lasting consequences of conflict, both seen and unseen. Art reminds us that everything is always in conversation with other things, with other artists, and with life.